Passenger Trains > Katie Farmer Flyer Heads East

The Katie Farmer Flyer departed Seattle this morning, headed for Whitefish, Montana, via Stevens Pass.

This was not an easy train to chase.

I caught the train between Mohler, and Harrington, where I shot the first clip in this video.

I arrived Spokane just as the train was on the high bridge, but I didn't get a chance for a good photo until Spokane Valley. And that was only with seconds to spare.

Thankfully, the train made a quick, emphasis on quick, stop at Hauser, Idaho for a crew change. That allowed the flyer to overtake the Z train it followed out of Wenatchee.

It also gave me an opportunity to get ahead to Rathdrum, Idaho, where I shot the second video clip.

It's not entirely clear to me that Farmer, CEO of BNSF,  was aboard, but scuttlebutt is that she was. She was also onboard Tuesday, then the train ran west from Spokane, to Pasco. Reports online said Farmer, and her entourage, detrained at Pasco, and flew to Seattle.



 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/23 07:58 by walstib.

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Is Eagle Pass the former Rollins Pass car?  The Topeka shops have modified 3 of the Ex-Regal series sleepers now with the larger windows and lounge on the vestibule end.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/23 17:19 by mp51w.

Excellent video of the BNSF business car train !   Thanks for sharing. 

Nice vids Mr. B.  Thanks!

Now would someone enlighten us as to who Katie Farmer is, please?

-John

jcaestecker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Nice vids Mr. B.  Thanks!
>
> Now would someone enlighten us as to who Katie
> Farmer is, please?
>
> -John

CEO of BNSF.

walstib Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> I arrived Spokane just as the train was on the
> high bridge, but I didn't get a chance for a good
> photo until Spokane Valley. And that was only with
> seconds to spare.
>
If ever I needed a "Notification", this is one that I could use.  We spend a lot of time each year just south of Rathdrum.  Many good photo/video/drone opportunities out here.
Ron
 

Thank you!

-John

Why are so many cars required?
The CEO and her direct reports surely could travel with just 3-4 cars.

Doubt she was on it. They did not use hand picked crews from Seattle or Wenatchee, plus it was in the hole for me. Think it's a deadhead move. 

GN1969 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why are so many cars required?
> The CEO and her direct reports surely could travel
> with just 3-4 cars.

Not as impressive as the full train. Image is everything!

Those trains are packed with food and supplies noone has any clue about. I once had the chance to ride one of these and made my way into the kitchen. Out of curiosity I opened the large stainless steel door to the fridge and the thing was packed FULL TO THE BRIM with lunch meats, seafood and just about anything anyone could ever desire. The freezer was pretty much on part with the fridge. Don't think for a second those higher-ups go without for a single second. Just seeing that train, if something happened mechanically to the power all Katie would have to say is "why weren't there 2 engines?" and I assure anyone every train she's ever on again will have 2 motors. The pull and weight of these individuals can never be underestimated.

mp51w Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is Eagle Pass the former Rollins Pass car?  The
> Topeka shops have modified 3 of the Ex-Regal
> series sleepers now with the larger windows and
> lounge on the vestibule end.

Rollins Pass still exists as a 10-Bedroom crew sleeper.  Not used very often but it was in Helena, Montana a few weeks ago.